Beijing's hutong — the city's iconic traditional alleyways — are once again awash with the scent of lilacs and the rhythm of verse as April begins.

The Centennial Lilac Poetry Gathering series of cultural events got underway on Thursday evening at Baoguo Temple in Xicheng district, a site boasting more than 900 years of history.

The event draws its name from the ancient lilac trees of Fayuan Temple — the gathering's traditional primary venue — and those within Baoguo Temple itself.

The poetry gathering tradition dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and it flourished in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Its modern legacy was cemented in 1924, when the renowned Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore participated in the event during his historic visit to Beijing.

"This year's event aims to shift from a previously literary assembly centered on flowers to a public cultural practice that enriches local communities through literature, and we expect to transform it into an 'urban poetry museum'," said Liu Dongwei, Party secretary of Xicheng district and the event's organizer.

Throughout the month, more than a dozen events, including poetry salons, writing workshops, and city walks with poem challenges, will be held across the district.

Liu emphasized that the events are open to the public, and designed for "immersion and accessibility", welcoming locals and international visitors alike to let poetry flow through the city's streets and alleys.

The opening ceremony featured a multigenerational poetry and music performance. The stage reflected a true cross-section of society, featuring kindergarten children, international residents, delivery drivers, laborers, police officers and healthcare workers. Despite their diverse backgrounds, each participant was celebrated as a "poet" in their own right, united by a shared love for the written word.

Wang Jibing, a delivery worker from Jiangsu province who has been writing poetry for over 30 years, arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon. "The Lilac Poetry Gathering is so renowned," Wang said. "I never expected to be invited as an ordinary delivery worker."